Everything in our homes requires electricity, and if we’re being completely honest, no one has enough outlets. The use of power strips, which may convert a single outlet into six or more, has become prevalent, but is this practice safe? Thus, one might wonder, “How many things can I plug into a power strip safely?”
Not many devices have the same energy needs, so there is no universally accurate solution. How many devices can be connected is dependent on their power needs. A fully grounded outlet is necessary for the use of heavy-load appliances like irons, hair dryers, and refrigerators.
However, phones and laptops consume extremely little power and may therefore be connected in large numbers.
If you want to learn more about this topic, keep reading.
Can You Plug Too Many Things into a Power Strip?
It depends on the type of gadget plugged in and the amount of power it consumes, but it is possible to overload a power strip. A hairdryer, for example, requires 1600 W, which is the maximum power that a 15A, 120V domestic circuit in the United States can offer.
So, before plugging something into a power strip, make sure you know how much energy it needs to function effectively. It’s not the number of gadgets that matters, but rather their power consumption. In order to determine how many devices can be plugged into a power strip, multiply the amperage by the voltage using the Ohm’s Law formula.
As a rule of thumb, you shouldn’t use a power strip to power more devices than it has ports for. One device equals one power outlet, but don’t go plugging random appliances into the power strip just yet as there are differences in power consumption. Usually, there are six ports in a power strip, so you can connect six devices theoretically.
Low-power-consuming devices are acceptable because they won’t strain a home’s electrical system. You can use your power strip to charge your cell phone and run LED lights, for instance.
What Can I Connect to a Power Strip?
You should plug in a few low-load devices or gadgets to a power strip simultaneously. This is because their power needs are met by a regular outlet power strip. In other words, they are relatively efficient power users. These are a few examples of such devices.
Computers
Rechargeable batteries power the majority of computers. Batteries require a certain amount of energy, which a power strip can easily provide. This power strip has six ports, allowing you to connect an even greater number of battery-powered devices to it. In most cases, there won’t be a problem at all.
Phones and Tablets
The same may be said for mobile devices like phones and tablets. A power strip may accommodate the charging of multiple mobile devices, including phones and tablets. The process of recharging these rechargeable batteries should not present too much of a challenge. They use up such a negligible amount of the available energy.
Other Devices
You can connect a variety of electronic gadgets, such as electric lamps, digital clocks, and stereos. Simply use them, but remember to give the power strip some rest every so often because prolonged use might cause it to overheat, which can lead to a fire.
Moreover, invest in power strips that come equipped with their own built-in circuit breakers. This is a significant safety measure that has been created to reduce the risk of damage to property and the possibility of fire.
What should I never connect to a power strip?
It can be tempting to thread numerous devices together in one power strip, but you shouldn’t do it because some gadgets shouldn’t be connected to the power strip anyhow. Here are the things you should never connect to a power strip as they consume so much power that your power strip can supply.
Microwave Oven
Modern meal preparation would be impossible without the invention of the microwave, which can thaw, cook, and reheat food in a short time. You must plug it into a standalone power source because all that amazing action consumes more electricity than a standard power strip can supply.
Hair care Appliances
Electrical appliances like hair dryers, curling irons, and flat irons consume a lot of power. Therefore, it is recommended that you plug it straight into the wall rather than using a power strip.
Air Compressors
Even while mobile air compressors are great tools for the ambitious do-it-yourselfer, they consume a lot of power when first turned on. Use only heavy-duty extension cords to avoid damaging your power strip from overuse.
Another Power Strip
If the length of your power strip is insufficient or you need more outlets, you may be tempted to “daisy-chain” it with another strip. Because of the potential for it to raise fire safety concerns, engaging in such behavior would be unwise.
Toasters
If you were to take a look inside a toaster, you’d notice a bundle of wires that get really hot to toast your bread. Given the amount of power required, a power strip would quickly get too hot to handle those lines. Also affected are electric skillets, waffle irons, and toaster ovens.
Slow Cookers
Slow cookers are another example of an appliance that can drain a power strip over time. A slow cooker’s convenience lies in the fact that it can cook while you’re away, but for your own safety, you should always take caution while using any electrical appliance. So, it would be wise to use a heavy-duty power strip for kitchen appliances.
Refrigerators and Freezers
Blowing a power strip with a heavy appliance like a refrigerator or freezer is easy because they use so much electricity and switch on and off so frequently. To ensure proper operation, plug these items straight into a grounded wall socket.
Read: Can You Plug Two Surge Protectors into the Same Outlet?
FAQs
The following frequently asked questions should help clarify things better.
1. How Many Watts Can a Power Strip Handle?
The maximum amount of power that a normal power strip can take in a 120V home is 1800 watts. If you can’t find the wattage listed, either multiply the amperage by the voltage using the Ohm’s Law method or look for it on the box or underside of the power strip itself.
2. What Devices Can I Plug into a Surge Protector?
A surge protector is an electrical socket that prevents surges. They use a unique circuit that redirects electrical spikes into the ground. Desktops, laptops, TVs, gaming systems, and charging phones should all be plugged into a surge protector. Normal battery-charging devices do not require a surge protector in the same way as pricey ones do.
3. What is the maximum capacity of a single outlet?
It relies on the capacity of the circuit and the number of outlets it supplies. Electricians typically install 20-amp or higher circuits in modern homes, as opposed to the 15-amp circuits seen in older homes.
Conclusion
When we need an electrical outlet, we often have to go elsewhere in the house. This is why a power strip is essential for meeting all of our electrical needs. While power strips often include six or more outlets, you shouldn’t plug many things into a power strip. It can lead to a number of safety problems.
Additionally, several appliances require as much energy as the strip provides. However, a power strip may accommodate far more low-power devices.
I’m James. The author of Electricalaffairs.com. It’s been my passion to deal with power tools and gears. This website is mainly to talk about electrical wirings, lighting, various power source tools and accessories. I want to explore tackles and help people to grow their basic knowledge about electrical things. I would also like to help people to pick the right power tool for their daily needs.